Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It took a huge effort and nearly two years for us to make the changes to the children and family relationships legislation, the original AHR Bill and the international surrogacy provisions just to get everything through Government. I want to make sure that the Bill before the select committee passes all Stages and is signed by the President before the election. As we all know, when an election comes, Bills that are working their way through the Houses fall.

We want to provide certainty. One of the pieces that for me is most urgent is granting parental rights to the parents and for their children who are living in our Republic today, while, of course, providing certainty for those availing of surrogacy and assisted human reproduction.

I thank the Deputy again for all of her work and for the opportunity for us to debate this matter. I apologise ahead of time because I have to leave shortly. I wanted to make sure that I came in and took the Bill this evening.

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